In the late 80's and early 90's. I was a prolific card collector (Rugby League, Cricket, Basketball and even dabbled in some non-sport) I still recall the excitement of going to the local corner store and buying a packet of Scanlens cards for 30 or 40 cents, gees I wish I had looked after and kept those cards!
By the end of the Dynamic era, I had stopped collecting but I do recall buying a box of 2000 and 2001 Impact just for a look. By 2010, I had sold or lost the bulk of my cards when one day, I walked into the local news agency and bought a packet of 2010 NRL champions. I managed to jag a Jarrod Croker sensation gem insert and as the Raiders are my favorite team, I was pretty stoked.
This fueled the fires again and over the next 18 months, I slowly worked my way back into the hobby and when I discovered 08 Centenary, I was all in!
I sell a few bits and pieces of Ebay and generally reinvest any cash made into cards that I want or need. I now have a young family and will be passing all these collections to them one day. Hopefully they will get as much enjoyment out of opening a packet as I do!!